If you’re used to coloring your hair, you know the stress you’re constantly putting it through, which can end up making it weak, dull and, of course, not very appealing to the eye. And this especially if you do bleaching, which can further damage your hair.
If you want to restore the health of damaged hair without spending too much on hair salons and expensive hair products, you will probably be happy to know that there is a natural ingredient that has properties that can achieve the same results for much less.
Cornstarch to treat damaged hair
The ingredient we are talking about is cornstarch or cornstarch, an ingredient widely used in natural cosmetics that can repair damaged hair in just 20 minutes.
Similar to cornmeal and wheat flour, cornstarch is a versatile ingredient that is best known for its moisture-absorbing properties. It is a carbohydrate extracted from the starchy portion of corn kernels known as the endosperm.
To make cornstarch as we know it, manufacturers grind these endosperms into a fine white powder (like baby powder or baking soda). In cooking, this white powder is commonly used as a thickener for sauces and soups. And its effect on our hair is not that different.
On the other hand, when your scalp is oily or damp (say, in the summer or after a workout), cornstarch soaks up that condensation and oil so your scalp and hair stay fresh and clean. Plus, it feels silky smooth, never thick or pasty like other powders. Think of it like nature’s dry shampoo.
Prepare a mask with cornstarch to repair your hair
As such, the cornstarch is not used by itself, but is added as an extra ingredient to an already used treatment or mask. To prepare this mask with cornstarch, just follow the instructions below:
You will need to:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon almond oil
- 1 tablespoon of hair conditioner
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 500 ml of water
Heat the water in a small saucepan, then add the cornstarch and mix well until completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and drain.
Pour the mixture into a mold and add the almond oil, conditioner and honey. Mix all the ingredients until you get a homogeneous mixture without lumps.
Apply the mixture to damp hair, massaging gently with your fingers. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse normally, preferably using a neutral shampoo.
To recover damaged hair, apply the cornstarch mask every three days for at least a month: you will see how your hair will be prettier to look at and softer to the touch.
Benefits of cornstarch for hair
Adding cornstarch to your hair care routine has many benefits, so it’s not just useful for treating hair damaged by bleaching or similar procedures. Below, we describe some of them.
Beneficial Vitamins
Cornstarch has many healthy components such as vitamins A, B, C and E and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus. These vitamins and minerals are beneficial for the long-term health of your hair.
Boost your hair growth
If you have fine hair, you will certainly benefit from the volumizing effects of cornstarch. Cornstarch is excellent for exfoliating the scalp, which helps the blood circulation of the scalp. Freer circulation to the scalp stimulates hair growth.
Regulation of sebum production on the scalp
Excessive scalp oiliness is normal for people with looser curls. Cornstarch helps with this problem by regulating sebum production on the scalp. It also quickly absorbs excess oil and grease from the surface of the hair and scalp.